- By Namrata Vijay
- Sun, 19 Oct 2025 06:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs AUS 1st ODI: India captain Shubman Gill is quite hopeful that even after losing the first ODI to Australia, and lauded the team's fighting spirit post a disappointing start in the match. While chasing a target of 131 runs, Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh scored an unbeaten knock of 46 runs, where wicketkeeper batter Josh Phillipe and Matthew Renshaw took the team across the line with seven wickets remaining.
Gill admitted that when they had lost three wickets in power play, it had put them under pressure, but heaped praises on the team's effort for taking the game deep as they were defending a below-par target in the rain-induced match. This was Gill's first assignment as ODI skipper.
“When you lose three wickets in the power play, you're always trying to play a catch-up game. A lot of learning for us from this game, and a lot of positives for us as well. We were defending 130, and we took the game, not till the very end, but pretty deep. We were very satisfied with that,” he told broadcasters in the post-match presentation.
The visitors never bounced back after suffering the batting collapse under overcast conditions, and the host's brilliant bowling effort gave the batters a hard time. Although the middle order did show resistance, the rain interruptions only disturbed their momentum. But the Indian bowlers did put up a fight in the second innings as they took wickets at regular interruptions.
Gill also talked about the huge fanbase for this game and expressed his gratitude for the same. “We are very fortunate. The fans turned up in huge numbers and hopefully they'll be able to cheer us on at Adelaide as well,” he added.
The Shubman Gill-led side will try to bounce back in the 2nd match as they will try to level the series. Since the top-order struggled in the series opener, they will try to perform well in Adelaide. Gill's comment highlighted the areas that they need to work on, and they will then try to implement those learnings.
The second ODI will be held in Adelaide next week, where both teams will try to win the game.